rationales that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rationales that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing explanations or justifications for a particular decision or action. Example: "The report includes several rationales that support the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rationales that accompanied the vote in favor of Mr. Mukasey were not reassuring.

The New York Times

The occupation will not end until the rationales that sustain it are understood.

The Guardian - Opinion

The mayors who have enacted bans justify them with vague rationales that include maintaining public order and hygiene, "good morals" and laïcité.

The New York Times

Last year, the administration also scaled back the rationales that can be used, eliminating fear of domestic violence as a factor.

The Washington Post

Some of the rationales that managers used in the early 1980's -- notably having to compete with upstart nonunion carriers -- have disappeared.

The New York Times

In such cultures, she argued, there can be a tendency to slowly and progressively create rationales that justify ever-riskier behaviors.

The New Yorker

A white cast is a creative choice and just as problematic as the economic rationales that are trotted out to justify discrimination.

The New York Times

The majority of study participants were Protestant, but "we found rationales that were both accepting of death or fighting against it," Dr. Torke said.

The New York Times

Press German officials to explain why they need to impose austerity on a depressed economy, and you get rationales that don't add up.

The New York Times

Wholly apart from the respective rationales that may have been developed by the courts in those cases, their results are not inconsistent with our holding here.

Cornell University

How can we ensure that these systems respect our ethical principles when they make decisions at speeds and for rationales that exceed our ability to comprehend?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rationales that", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being justified or explained. Be specific about the connection between the rationale and the action or decision it supports.

Common error

Avoid using "rationales that" in overly complex sentences. If the sentence becomes convoluted, consider breaking it down into simpler statements for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rationales that" functions as a relative clause introducing the reasons or justifications behind a particular action, decision, or belief. It adds depth and clarity by providing the underlying logic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rationales that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce the underlying reasons or justifications behind a specific action, decision, or belief. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for formal contexts, such as news, science, and academic writing. When using "rationales that", ensure clarity and precision in conveying the logic behind the explanation. Consider alternatives like "reasons why" or "justifications for" depending on the context. Remember to avoid overly complex sentence structures for better readability. The sources analyzed confirm the phrase's prevalence in authoritative publications, reinforcing its credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasons why

Focuses on the cause or explanation, swapping the more formal "rationales" for a simpler "reasons".

justifications for

Highlights the act of defending or proving something to be right or reasonable.

explanations that

Emphasizes the act of making something clear or understandable.

grounds on which

Indicates the basis or foundation upon which a decision or belief is based.

premises underlying

Highlights the assumptions or propositions that support a conclusion.

bases for

Refers to the fundamental principles or facts that support an idea or argument.

arguments supporting

Focuses on the logical reasons presented to persuade someone of a particular viewpoint.

motives behind

Highlights the driving forces or intentions behind an action or decision.

underlying principles

Emphasizes the fundamental concepts or beliefs that guide a process or system.

thinking behind

Focuses on the thought process and reasoning that led to a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "rationales that" in a sentence?

Use "rationales that" to introduce explanations or justifications for actions, decisions, or beliefs. For example, "The committee presented several "reasons why" the project should be approved".

What's a simpler way to express "rationales that"?

Alternatives include "reasons why", "justifications for", or "explanations that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "rationales that" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "rationales that" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and complexity of your writing. You may consider "bases for", if appropriate.

How does the meaning of "rationales that" differ from "reasons that"?

"Rationales that" typically implies a more formal and considered justification, while "reasons that" can be used more broadly for any explanation, whether formal or informal. Therefore, "rationales that" has a narrower and more precise connotation.